Project Profile

Westfield, via Westfield Retail Trust’s (WRT) Annual Report, has regularly reported substantial energy savings at or near the targeted 10% reduction level since completion of this important project. Most significantly, Westfield applied IBMS’ conceptual IELVS design and specification input data to upgrade sites progressively to an IELVS environment, making their buildings even smarter and more efficient. Westfield has reported further success in improving the indoor air quality. Other significant benefits are being achieved from the IELVS designs produced for WRT.

IBMS’s engagement had two distinct elements. The initial brief focussed on the existing BMCS system performance and efficiency. The second element provided Westfield with the leading edge approach and conceptual design for upgrading traditional BMCS technology to a fully Integrated Extra Low Voltage System (IELVS). This enables the building of an operating technology platform that may be utilised in driving operating cost and energy efficiencies further.

For the first element, we recommended that a detailed BMCS review be conducted and that initial fine tuning initiatives for 37 Westfield Shopping Centres across Australia be completed. IBMS was asked to report on cost-effective energy reduction opportunities available. IBMS was also told to implement initiatives during the review process to fine tune the facilities and BMCS strategies so as to improve energy efficiency. The target was to save 10% of energy costs.

The first stage involved a physical inspection of the system, as well as a review and verification of both field devices and host workstation. This was followed by a review and verification of software control loops and logic inefficiencies, including AHU strategies, economy cycle strategies, main plant chillers sequencing, cooling tower control and sequencing, ventilation and miscellaneous system controls. Identified control logic was modified and fine-tuned during the site visit as needed.

The final site report provided extensive suggestions, ideas and possible improvements to DDC Controls and BMCS System. These covered the HVAC plant, energy management reporting and critical maintenance requirements. Respective Facilities Managers were informed of action items that were identified as urgent or those that bore significant impact on energy consumption. The second vital element of our brief involved the production of a suitable IELVS conceptual design for future upgrading of facilities. Once implemented, this strategy will provide substantial opportunities for lowering life cycle costs across and even broader area of shopping centre operation.

Westfield Shopping Centre Management (Westfield) engaged IBMS for assistance in reducing energy consumption and improving the efficiency of its Building Management Control Systems (BMCS) across its shopping centre portfolio. This is part of the group’s corporate sustainability objectives.